Raise Your Glass: This Is the Healthiest Way to Drink Alcohol

Since it isn't every day that we're greeted with cheerful headlines and happy news, we'll just go ahead and get straight to the good stuff: Tequila is healthy for your bones, as Robert H. Shmerling, MD, explains in the Harvard Medical School publication. To put it simply, the theory is that there are certain types of agave plants that support healthier bone development and reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Tequila also been shown to fight antibacterial infections, not to be confused with viruses, like the common cold and flu. It's been linked with lowering blood sugar in a few studies as well.

Of course, consistently drinking heavy amounts of tequila as the primary treatment for bacterial infections and bone health is not recommended. But these findings, along with other studies about high-quality tequilas, make a strong case for it. And better yet, the best tequila cocktails usually taste like a vacation. So if you want to make a cocktail at home, it's a great option.

From sunrises to sours and margaritas just in time for your summer soireés and alfresco festivities (though we'd raise our glasses to them any time of year), discover the best tequila recipes to sip on below.

Aside from its gorgeously vibrant pigment, this tequila-based cocktail from Salt and Wind is bursting with flavor. It's spicy and citrusy but not at all overly sweet or tangy. Make it for a party when you're hosting cocktail connoisseurs, and we promise you'll come off as an industry-level mixologist. That being said, it only takes about 15 minutes of your hands-on time to make.

If you're looking for something a little lighter that still packs a lot of punch flavor-wise and aesthetically speaking, look no further. This raspberry rosé margarita recipe from Salt and Wind is perfectly refreshing and light without teetering into boring territory. Nothing personal against strawberries, but we love the unexpected tartness that gives an edge to the sweet fruity flavor.

Remember how we just said we preferred raspberries to strawberries? Well, that's not always true. Sometimes we crave something slightly with some fizz to it, like this sparkling straw tequila sour with lime juice from Half Baked Harvest.

Nothing tastes more like a tropical vacation than pineapple margaritas. Expect maybe ones that also call for lime beer. If that whets your appetite, then you'll love this recipe from Half Baked Harvest. Better yet, it only takes five minutes to make, so you can always count on it if you're in a hurry.

Hola Jalapeño created a margarita that tastes amazing and puts a fun spin on the classic cocktail recipe while also cutting down some of the extra calories. Made with fresh fruit (cherries), lime, and skinny margarita mix, this will be your new summer happy hour go-to.

We know, we know, margaritas have been stealing all the tequila cocktail thunder. If you're looking for something different, try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven, which is like a mimosa but boozier. And guess what? It literally one takes one minute to make. Just pour in the orange juice, champagne, tequila or mezcal, and a splash of grenadine.

Nothing can quench your thirst quite like a watermelon tequila cocktail (except water, but you know what we mean). So with that in mind, allow us to introduce you to the very best watermelon margarita recipe from Minimalist Baker.

And last but not least, we bring you this fancy cocktail recipe from Salt and Wind. Who wants a classic margarita when you can have one with kumquats, thyme, and jalapeño-infused everything? It's the perfect balance of sophisticated and fun, just as a summer beverage should be.